I've only had the retainers for a week but I'm already used to them pretty much. The only thing that still affects me is talking, I'm still not that used to talking with them on. However, as I mentioned in the previous post, I had a lisp when I first had them and that lasted for about two days. I just don't like talking much with them on but it has been a few days since I hung out with friends and cared about whether I was talking differently or not. Because when I'm just talking to my family, I don't really think about whether I'm talking properly or not. I don't know how long most people's lisp lasts when they get it from having retainers or braces, because I'm sure it would've disappeared eventually. The way that I got used to speaking in the retainers was by singing songs out loud. It might sound random but it's not like you're doing something out of the ordinary. 

One thing that I'm getting bored of is having to clean the retainers every morning and night. I clean it by brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste, which was what the orthodontists told me to do. It's pretty much just like brushing your teeth. I'm pretty sure that the retainers will remain clean though, because it's not like you're eating food with them on or drinking non water liquids. 

I have gotten the hang of taking them off and putting them back on. It's much more easier now that I just pull it off as hard and fast as I can. The longer you try to slide it off, the more painful it gets. So just don't worry about anything and just pull it out.

Love,

Elaine